In the early hours of Wednesday morning, six fire engines and around 40 firefighters were called to tackle a fire at a shop in Harlesden, North West London. The fire broke out at a ground-floor shop, with residential flats located above it. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The fire, which started at around 3:16 a.m., destroyed the shop and caused smoke damage to the two flats above and two adjacent flats. Firefighters worked swiftly to bring the blaze under control by 4:32 a.m.
According to the London Fire Brigade, the fire is believed to have been caused by the failure of a lithium battery in a vape device. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential fire risks associated with vaping products, particularly when using faulty or counterfeit items.
To help prevent similar incidents, the London Fire Brigade shared important vaping and e-cigarette safety tips:
- Purchase devices from reputable retailers: Avoid counterfeit products, as they often pose a higher risk of fire hazards.
- Follow product instructions carefully: Pay close attention to any warnings or guidelines provided with the device.
- Keep e-liquids out of reach: Ensure that e-liquids are stored safely, away from children and pets.
- Avoid using vapes near certain items: Never use vaping devices near medical oxygen, emollient creams, or airflow mattresses, as this can increase fire risks.
Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and take these safety precautions seriously to avoid similar dangerous situations.
